This week, Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nevada) introduced the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act.
The act has the support of top House Democrats with 52 co-sponsors. There is also support from 21 leading LGBTI advocacy organizations. The act would codify in law the Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons position as well as require the State Department to document cases of human rights abuses and discrimination against LGBTI people around the world.
It would also provide permission for the U.S. to institute sanctions against foreign individuals who are responsible for egregious abuses and murders of LGBTI populations. Additionally, the bill ensures fair access to asylum and refugee programs for LGBTI individuals who face persecution because of their sexual orientation, according to a July 22 news release from Titus’ office.
“No person should suffer from discrimination because of who they are or whom they love,” Titus said in the release. “Under the Trump administration, the U.S. is failing to protect the rights of LGBTI people at home and abroad. This bill will help restore our role in promoting LGBTI rights around the world and punishing regimes that persecute people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Earlier this year President Donald Trump’s administration launched a global campaign to protect LGBT people, but the LGBTI special envoy position remains vacant. Last month Secretary of State Mike Pompeo launched the Commission on Unalienable Rights to advise the State Department on human rights. The panel is stacked with anti-LGBT members.
“With the introduction of this legislation, Congress sends an important message that U.S. leaders remain committed to advancing human rights around the globe,” Human Rights Campaign government affairs director David Stacy said in the release.
Got international LGBT news tips? Call or send them to Heather Cassell at WhatsApp: 415-517-7239, or Skype: heather.cassell or oitwnews@gmail.com.
